HLF Skills for the Future Nurturing Nature Conservation Skills Using NNRs

Tender description

Natural England has applied to the Heritage Lottery Fund under the Skills for the Future funding stream to run an “apprenticeship” programme entitled “Nurturing Nature Conservation Skills using NNRs” across the NNR estate, which encompasses 143 NNRS nationally. The aim of the Nurturing Nature Conservation Skills on National Nature Reserves Project (the Project) is to develop a pool of potential competent recruits with the specialist skills and knowledge needed to look after the country’s richest wildlife and geological heritage. The Project will develop and demonstrate methods for how practical based learning models can meet priority heritage skills gaps facing the nature conservation sector. The Project runs from the Summer 2014 to late summer 2017 and encompasses a number of training opportunities: • 3 month “taster” placements for those wishing to enter the nature conservation sector • 18 month Work Based Diploma placements for those seeking practical work experience and relevant qualifications • 3 month survey and monitoring placements for those seeking to enhance skills and knowledge concerning surveying and monitoring, and specialise in a certain habitat. • Opportunities for wider community members to undertake training opportunities in nature conservation management, including habitats and species, surveying and monitoring, and coaching and monitoring. An evaluation of the Project is required to ensure that the aim and objectives of the project have been met and that the project success can be reported to Heritage Lottery, and others. The aim of this contract is to provide the production of an evaluation report, incorporating a number of individual and timely elements with regard to project aims.